Chris Smalling called 'England's best defender' by fans after Roma winner vs Inter Milan

Chris Smalling has been called 'England's best central defender' after his impressive Serie A spell with Roma continued with a winning goal against Inter Milan at the San Siro

Posted Sunday, October 02, 2022 by Dailystar.co.uk

English defender Chris Smalling stole the Italian headlines by heading home

England fans want to see Chris Smalling called up for the World Cup after his fine spell with Roma continued with a winning goal against Inter Milan in Serie A this weekend.

The 32-year-old former Manchester United man headed home from close range to hand Jose Mourinho's side all three points having been hailed for his defensive contributions since leaving Old Trafford.

Having watch Gareth Southgate's side struggle defensively since reaching the final of Euro 2020, the Three Lions faithful believe they might have found a solution in Smalling after watching his performance and goal at the San Siro.

One fan wrote: "Smalling deserves an England call up."

With a second adding: "How is he not in England contention? Been tremendous in Serie A."

A third continued: "Should be in the England squad."

With a fourth agreeing: "Chris Smalling is England’s best CB btw. Should be going to the World Cup."

At is stands, Harry Maguire, John Stones and Kyle Walker seem to be Southgate's preferred options in the middle of defence, but Smalling has said in the past he is ready to answer the call.

He said back in May: "I would never close the door on something like that. But at the moment I'm clearly not in Gareth's plans.

"I'll just keep playing my games, I'd never close a door on such an opportunity."

Southgate said back in 2020 when asked about Smalling: "We want to play in a certain way and the players I have brought in I want to see using the ball from the back and building it up in a certain way."

Adding: "I think he's done well in Italy. He's playing at another big club.

"He was obviously playing at a big club before. We're watching everybody because we've got to make sure we make the right decision."